Apparatus for testing ignition coils and condensers



Feb. 16, 1937. l. L. BRICK 2,071,279

APPARATUS FOR TESTING IGNITION COILS AND CONDENSERS Filed Dec. 5, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheetl Q/wto o by a a4 59 52 a? 3 Gamma/q Feb. 16, 1937. L, BRICK I 2,071,279

APPARATUS FOR TESTING IGNITION COILS AND CONDENSERS Filed Dec. 3, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Gnu/M Feb. 16, 1937. BRICK 2,071,279

APPARATUS FOR TESTING IGNITION COILS AND CONDENSERS Filed Dec. 3, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet'S 30 300 fr'r/xgyfl 2377/1075 GZLMJJVK M a w Feb. 16, 1937. 1 BRICK 2,071,279

APPARATUS FOR TESTING IGNITION COILS AND CONDENSERS Filed D66. 5, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Zzgflfi'.

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Patented Feb. 16, 1937 I. 2,071,279

UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR TESTING IGNITION COILS AND CONDENSERS Irving L. Brick, New York, N. Y., assignor to P. Sorensen Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, a corporation of New York Application December 3, 1935, Serial No. 52,724 2 Claims. (Cl. 175-183) This invention relates to apparatus for testing during such periods of dwell decreases proportionignition coils and condensers and has special refately. I erence to testing devices for automotive ignition In these prior testing devices they aim to simucoils and automotive condensers. late actual operating conditions of the automobile 5 In prior testing devices for ignition coils, the deby varying the speed of the motor forming part terminations are based on the voltage output of of their testing device. This of itself is very unthe secondary. By gradually increasing. the air satisfactory, due to the fact that variable speed gap between a pair of points (electrodes) and motor construction is such that, in order to 'derive noting the length of gap at which the current fair power at high speeds, abnormally po erful 1 ceases to jump the gap, the relative voltage outmotors are needed and the manufacturers of these put of the secondary will be shown by these tests, testing devices have found it too expensive and since the length of the gap that the current from impractical to provide motors of sufliciently high the secondary will negotiate varies with the voltpower. age output of the secondary. This, however, is Among the objects of my invention is to over- 5 not a fair or true reproduction of car-operating come the above disadvantages incident to prior conditions. Furthermore, such atest while showtesting devices of ignition coils and to provide a ing whether a coil is good or bad does not inditesting device which will show in a very reliable cate satisfactorily how good or how bad the coil manner the difference between good coils and may be. bad coils as well as the varying degree of efficiency Ignition coils in automobiles are for the purpose between coils which are good.

of converting low tension (6 volts) storage bat- In my testing device, the voltage output of the tery current to high tension (1,500 to 4,000 volts) secondary of the ignition coils is caused to jump so as to provide a current of sufiicient high tension a fixed gap, and the spark may be readily viewed. to jump a fixed gap in the spark plugs and thereby The amount of current expressed in amperes that ignite the combustible mixture of fuel and air is fed to the primary circuit of the ignition coil 25 which is drawn into the cylinder and then subis gradually reduced by decreasing-the dwell to Jected to considerable pressure (from 40 to 100 the point where the secondary voltage output lbs. per sq. inch) before ignition. The spark becomes insufficient to jump the fixed gap. The gaps are normally set at approximately .020 inch, primary input is then gradually increased by inwhich under apressure of 80 lbs. per sq. inch and creasing the dwell to the point where the voltage 30 at the relatively high temperature of the combusoutput of the secondary is again sufiicient to jump tion chamber corresponds to .250 inch under atthe fixed gap. This point represents the minimospheric conditions of temperature and presmum amperage to induce voltage necessary for sure regarding its resistance to the flow of elecadequate fuel ignition purposes, and is indicated tricity. g on a graduated scale or dial. By comparing this Manufacturers of testing equipment for ignipoint with that of another coil which is tested in tion coils have striven to reproduce car-operating the same way, a definite gage can be made of the conditions, but they appear to have ignored the relative performance values of these coils. fact that increasing the spark gap is a departure In testing condensers, which are so constructed 0 from and does not reproduce car-operating conthat there is no direct conductivity path for flow 40 ditions. During car operation, increase of its of electric current, a valuable check of the conspeed does not increase the resistance of the gap, dition of ignition condensers resides in determinwhich in an automobile under operating condiing whether or not current will pass through, betions is the distance between the points in the cause of leakage, damage or breakdown of insu- 5 spark plugs. Variations in speed have no effect lation or other extraneous causes. Prior testing whatever on the distance between electrodes or devices for this purpose have been foundobjecthe spark points. tionable, unreliable and inconvenient. My ina When the motor speed is varied in automobile vention provides a mechanism whereby an altermotors, the input to the primary of the ignition nating current of 110 volts is rectified, and concoil is also varied because the time interval during ducted in series from the rectifier, through the 50 which the primary current flows from the battery condenser undergoing test, through a neon glow to the primary coil during any cycle is much shorttube and back to the rectifier. I prefer to use a er, thus permitting less current to flow. As the neon glow tube which will operate on approximotorspeedincreases,thedwellperiodsdecrease, mately minimum of 80 volts'and .005 ampere. consequently the current flowing into the primary By impressing on the condenser approximately 55 110 volts at approximately .250 ampere, there will be sufficient current and pressure to seep through leakage but not sumcient to break down insulation.

It has been proven that condensers operating in automobiles rarely build up plate potentials exceeding volts. With my testing device, the condenser is charged, by the rectified current, the charge held on the condenser, and the condenser later discharged. The discharge is also registered by the neon glow tube.

Among the objects of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for carrying out the testing operations of the condenser, including the steps heretofore outlined in a more convenient, safer and more satisfactory manner and with easier manipulation than has been accomplished with prior devices.

A further object of this invention is to carry out the steps of charging, holding and discharging in a convenient manner and without disconnecting the condenser from the tester.

Other, further and more specific objects of this invention will'become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my testing device. An ignition coil and a condenser are also shown connected for testing.

Fig. 2 is a top view of my device, with the housing or casing removed.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section along line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental sectional view along line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmental view, partly in section along line 5--5 of Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmental detailed section along line 6--6 of Fig. 3 showing the socket for receiving the high tension terminal from an ignition coil and the adjustable spark gap through which this high tension current jumps.

Fig. '7 is a fragmental view, partly in section, showing the neon glow tube employed in my tester and the high resistance shunt used with this glow tube.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatical illustration of the wiring or electrical conductors connecting the elements of my apparatus.

Fig. 9 is a vertical fragmentary detail section through the shaft supporting the breaker arms.

Fig. 10 is a fragmental horizontal section through the ignition points.

Fig. 11 is a fragmental perspective view showing the fixed breaker arm and the shaft upon which it is supported.

Figs. 12 and 13 are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of one of the gang plates of the 6- position switch.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged section of the 6-position switch.

Figs. 15, 16 and 17 are schematic views illustrating on an enlarged scale three different positions of the'breaker arms and the resulting differences in the periods of dwell of the breaker points for these positions of the breaker arms.

Fig. 18 is a detail fragmental view illustrating a modified form for varying the period of dwell.

My device comprises the removable cover 2 which houses practically the entire mechanism of my device, and may, if desired, be fastened and secured in position to the base board 4, preferably made of suitable ply-wood and provided with a waterproof coating. The base board 4 supports practically the entire mechanism of my testing device. A convenient number of rubber tipped projections 6 are secured to the bottom of this base board 4 in order that my apparatus will not scratch another object upon which it may be rested. At the rear side of my device there is provided an upwardly extending plate 8 supported by the small, angular end brackets l0 and the large, vertical bracket i2 to which it is fastened by a suitable cap and screw not shown in the drawings. This plate 8 carries the flush mounted outlet i4 which is the terminal of the primary circuit of the ignition coil, the flush mounted outlet [6 to which the terminals from a storage battery are connected for supplying current to the ignition coils during test, and the plug I8 for connecting the motor 20 to a volt alternating current supply. The motor 20 may be approximately 3000 R. P. M. with a tolerance in either direction of 10%. A description of the electrical connections from the outlets I4 and I6 and the plug l8 will appear further on.

The framework of the motor 20 is supported upon and fixed to the base board 4 and is held together by the lower tie bolt 22 and upper tie bolt 24. Also mounted on these tie bolts 22 and 24 is a bracket plate 26, which is held in spaced relation to the outer hou ing of the motor 20 by means of the collars 28 upon the bolts 22 and 24. The tie bolt 24 has upon the end passing through the bracket plate 26 a cap 30 having a threaded axial bore, so that it can function as a nut upon one end of this tie bolt. At the other end of this tie bolt 24 and also at each end of the tie bolt 22, I have provided ordinary fastening nuts 32.

The bracket plate 26 has fastened thereto a pair of guides 34 and 36 for the movable plate 38 which is slidable over plate 26 and between the inner faces of the guides 34 and 36. These guide faces are inclined about 15 from the vertical axis of my device and are perpendicular to the top face of the cover casing 2 when the latter is in place. The top face has a 15 forward slope. The plate 38 is held against the plate 26 by means of the tabs 40 and the fastening screws 42 upon the guide strips 34 and 36. The movable plate 38 has integral therewith a tongue 44 which is acted upon by a leaf spring 46 and, forced upwardly against the end of the micrometer screw 48 passing through a threaded, substantiallyradial bore in the cap 30. The other end of the micrometer screw is disposed within the splined member 50 having its head end 52 in the socket member 54 which turns with the shaft 56 to which a pointer 58 is fastened. By means of the set screw 59 passing through the socket member 54 and bearing against the head end 52 of the splined member 50, the splined member 50 can be made to turn with the socket member 54 and shaft 56. A centrally bored disc 60 of suitable durable material, such as celluloid, and reinforced on each side by the centrally bored metal discs 62 and 64 rests upon the socket member 54 and is secured thereto so as to rotate with this socket member 54 and the shaft 56 which passes through the bores in the discs 60, 62, and 64.

The shaft 56 also passes through a bore 66 in the cross bracket 68 which has another bore 10 (Fig- 3) through which passes the shaft or post 12. This shaft 12 extends through the housing 2 and supports the turning knob 13, which is pro vided with the set screw 14 for securing it to the shaft 12. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft 12 is prevented by means of the collar (15),

washer (16) and spring liner (11) embracing the reduced portion (18) of the shaft 12. At the other end 19 of this shait 12 and beneath the bracket 68 are fastened a pair of relatively small circular plates 80 which are disposed to grip the relatively large disc 60 at its periphery, so that by turning the knob 13, rotary motion will be transmitted through the shaft 12, plates 80, disc 60, socket member 54 and shaft 56 to the pointer 58 and, simultaneously, this rotary motion will be transmitted through the splined member 50 and the pin 82 to the micrometer screw 48. Thus, by means of the pointer 58, the movement of the micrometer screw 48 can be read on the graduated scale or dial 84. 1

The shaft 86 of the motor extends through and beyond the bores 88 and 90 in the plates 26 and 38, respectively. An eccentric collar 92, cc-

- centric to this drive shaft 86, is secured to the projecting end of this shaft and rotates therewith. The movable breaker arm 84 carries one of the ignition points 96 and also a fiber follower or rubbing block 98, the latter being held in contact with the eccentric 92 by the spring I00. One end of the-spring I00 is fastened to a fiber insulation block I02 secured to the movable plate 38 and the other end of the spring is fastened around the bushing I04 which is of insulating material and insulates the breaker arm 94 from its' shaft I06. This shaft I06 is fastened to the movable plate 38. The shaft I06 also passes through the bore I08 of the fixed breaker arm I I0 carrying the other ignition point H2. The

breaker arm IIO may be turned about its shaft I06 and secured in fixed position by the set screw II4 passing through the slot II6 of the breaker arm I I0 and threading on to the movable plate 38.

The leaf spring 46 is normally in a bowed position when in use. It is fastened at one end in a slit of the stud II8, passes under and bears upwardly against the tongue 44 of the movable plate 38 and curls over the stud I20. The studs H8 and I20 pass through bores in the guides 36 and 34, respectively, and are secured to the sta-- tionary bracket plate 26.

An ignition condenser I22 (is secured to the plate 26 by the small bracket I24 and screw I26.

The cross bracket 68 is secured at one end to the vertical bracket I2 by means of the angle plate I28. Each of the screws I30 passes through a slot, in the angle plate I28 and into a threaded bore in the cross bracket 68, which permits some latitude in the adjustment of this cross bracket. The other end of this cross bracket 68 is fastened to another vertical bracket I32 by means of the screw and nut I33. The vertical bracket I32 is fastened to the base board 4. This bracket I32 also supports an elongated arm I34, which carries a stop member 135 positioned in the path of the projecting set screw 59 when it moves with the socket member 54 and shaft 56, thereby limiting the angular distance through which the shaft 56 can be turned and thus, preventing the pointer 58 from travelling a full 360.

The graduated scale or dial 84 is supported at its periphery by the annular member I36 which also holds the transparent protecting cover I38. A pair of Z-brackets I 40 and I42 extend fromthe cross bracket 68 to the annular member I36 and serve to hold this annular member I36 in proper position. The cross member 68 also supports a pair of pilot lamps I44 which serve to illuminate the dial 84 made of translucent material.

A neon glow tube I46 is secured by suitable means to the base board 4, and supported at a suitable height in order to be directly under and in registery with an opening in the casing to make the glow tube action easily visible. It is desirable to provide this neon tube with a protecting sleeve I48 of cardboard or other suitable insulating material.

My device also comprises a vertical bracket support I50 having mounted thereto a fiber insulation block I52 on which are positioned the terminal outlets I54 and I56 for receiving the leads from the condenser to be tested. These terminal outlets I54 and I56 as well as the dial 84 project through the top of the cover 2.

My device is also, provided with a clip construction I58, fastened to the base board 4 for accommodating the leads of certain circuits hereinafter described.

There are fastened to the base board 4 the socket I59 of the rectifier tube I60 and the bracket I62 supporting a 6-position, 2-circuit switch I64. The rectifier tube is of the 3-element cathode type and is attached to the 4-point polarized base mounted socket I59.

The switch I64 is of a type well known to this art and comprises the upper gang plate and lower gang plate designated as a whole by the reference numerals I66 and I68, respectively, held in spaced relation by suitable means. The pointer knob I10 of this switch I64 is removably fastened by the set screw I12to a post, connected to rotate with the flattened shaft I14. These gang plates I66 and I68 are each provided with stationary metal conductor rings I16 and I18, respectively, which are disposed between the stationary, upper central fiber insulator discs I60 and I8I, respectively, and the rotatable, lower central fiber insulator annuli I82 and I83, respectively. Each of the annuli. I82 and I83 is provided with a central slot in which the shaft I14 is fitted tightly and with a plurality of perforations arranged in a substantially circular row about the central slot, and through one of these perforations in annulus I82 there extends a contact brush I84 which moves with the annulus I82 and which maintains sliding contact with metallic ring I16, and like- I wise through one of the perforations in annulus I83 there extends a contact brush I85 which moves with the annulus I83 and which maintains sliding contact with metal ring I18. -In gang surrounded by a similar stationary fiber insulator ring I88. These rings I86 and I88 are disposed to support a plurality of terminal points for the conductor leads in the circuits hereinafter described. The inner ends of these terminal points bear upwardly against the annuli I82 and I83 and when these discs are turned so that a brush I 84-or I85 projecting therethrough is brought in alignment with the inner end of one of these terminal points, electrical connection will be established between this terminal point and the metal ring of that gang plate. The switch I64 15 supported by the upper arm I89 of the vertical bracket I62 attached to the base board 4.

The housing or cover 2, preferably of metal, supports independently of the rest of the device a molding I90 of artificial resininsulating maports a fiber disc I98 carrying a brass or copper electrode I98. A bracket 200 fastened to the housing 2 supports another brass or copper electrode 202 which carries a flber ring 204. The electrode I98 is fixed, while the electrode 202 may be moved to and from the electrode I98 by turning the screw 206, thereby setting the length of the spark gap between these electrodes. The length of spark is rarely changed after setting. The electrode 202 is grounded to the housing 2. The molding I90 also supports a shield 208 of high magnetic permeability metal which is grounded to the frame 2 by means of a connection 209 through the screw 2 I 0. The secondary circuit 01' the ignition coil is grounded through the grounding of one side of the primary circuit.

Motor circuit.Referring to the diagrammatic illustration of the wiring shown in Fig. 8, this circuit comprises the lead 2| I from the plug I 8 through which the I10-volt alternating current is supplied to the terminal point 2I2 which is electrically connected to the stationary metal ring I18 of the gang plate I88. This circuit also comprises the lead 2 I4 from the plug I8 to the motor 20 and the lead 2I8 from the other side of the motor to terminal point 2I8 on the gang plate I88. The circuit is completed when the pointer knob I10 is turned so as to turn the annulus I83 and bring the brush I85 in contact with the terminal point 2I8 whereby contact is established between the points 2I2 and 2I8 by way of the brush I85 and ring I18. This corresponds to the condition when the pointer knob I10 points to the Test position on the face plate 220 upon the housing 2, and is the only position at which the motor circuit is closed.

Primary coil circuit-This comprises lead 222 from the terminal of the outlet I4 to spring I which is also part of the circuit, movable breaker arm 94, ignition point 98, ignition point H2, and the fixed breaker arm IIO which is grounded by the plates 28 and 38. The lead 222 is connected at an intermediate point 224 to one plate of the condenser I 22, the other plate of the condenser I 22 being grounded to the frame of the appa ratus by the supporting bracket I24. This circuit also comprises the lead 228 from the other terminal of the outlet I4, the clip fastener I58, and lead 228 to terminal point 230 on the gang plate I86. The lead 232 extends from one terminal of the storage battery outlet I8 to a common junction 234, and the lead 238 extends from the junction 234 to the terminal point 238 which is electrically connected to the stationary metal ring I18 of the gang plate I88. The lead 240 extends from the other terminal of the outlet I8 to the ground terminal 242. This circuit is completed when the pointer knob I is turned so as to turn the annulus I82 and bring the brush I84 in contact with the terminal point 230 whereby contact is established between points 230 and 238 by way of the brush I84 and ring I18. This also corresponds to the condition when the pointer knob I10 points to the Test position on the face plate 220, so that by merely moving the pointer knob I10 to the Test position both the motor circuit and primary coil circuit are closed simultaneously. By this arrangement of the pair of gang plates I88 and I88 and the location of the brushes I84 and I85 in their respective annuli I 82 and I83, the motor circuit is closed only when the circuit through the primary coil under test is closed and vice versa.

Pilot lamps circuit.The pilot lamps I44 also receive their current from the 6-volt storage battery which supplies the current for the primary coil circuit. These two circuits are connected in parallel, the branch circuit for the lamps comprising the leads 244 extending from the clip fastener I58 to the lamps I44 and the leads 248 to the ground. These pilot lamps are lit only when the pointer knob I10 points to the Test position on the face plate 220, and serve to illuminate the translucent dial as well as to indicate the fact that when the primary circuit is in use the storage battery connections are secure.

In testing ignition coils, the primary terminals of the ignition coil I94 are connected to the outlet I4 and the lead I92 from the high tension secondary circuit of the coil is inserted in the outlet I 9| The pointer knob I10 is then turned to the Test position on the face plate 220. This will close the circuit to the motor 20 and cause it to run. Simultaneously, the primary coil circuit will also be completed, as well as that to the pilot lamps I44, which will now be burning. As the motor 20 revolves, the eccentric collar 92 fastened to the motor shaft 88 will also rotate therewith and effect a reciprocation of the rubbing'block 98, causing the breaker arm 94 to move against the tension of the spring I 00 when the 7 highest part of the eccentric 92 is moving to the rubbing block 98, and after the highest part of the eccentric 92 passes the rubbing block 98 the spring I00, which always urges the rubbing block toward the eccentric, will force back the breaker arm 94 until its return movement is,ar-

,rested when the ignition point 98 contacts the ignition point I I2.

If the arrest of return movement of the breaker arm 94 by the contact of the ignition points 98 and H2 occurs before the lowest point of the eccentric 92 becomes in radial alignment with the rubbing block 98, for example X degrees of the perigonal cycle of the eccentric in advance of the point of radial alignment of the lowest point of the eccentric with the rubbing block 98, the breaker arm 94 will not begin its return movement against the tension of the spring I00 until the lowest point of the eccentric 92 shall have travelled 2X degrees more of its perigonal cycle. During this interval, the eccentric 92 and rubbing block 98 will be out of contact with each other while the ignition points 96 and H2 will remain in continuous contact with each other and the period of dwell" will be 2X degrees.

When the micrometer screw 48 is turned so as to force the tongue 44 and the movable plate 38 downward, both of the ignition points 96 and H2 will be carried downward. The fixed ignition point II2 will move in a direction parallel to the faces of the guides 34 and 38. The movable ignition point 96 will also move parallel to the path of the ignition point H2 and remain in contact with the latter until the rubbing block 98 engages the eccentric 92, atter which downward movement of the plate 38 will effect separation of the ignition point 98 from the other ignition point I I2 and cause the path of travel of the ignition point 98 to diverge from that of the ignition point H2. The extent of this divergence will depend upon the particular part of the eccentric 92 engaging the rubbing block 98 at the given time.

By. adjusting the pivotal point of the movable breaker arm 94 and regulating the distance between this pivotal point and the follower or rubbing block 98, the contact between the eccentric and the follower or rubbing block can be so adjusted that the period of dwell will diminish from the maximum value as represented by the zero point on the scale to that represented by the point on the scale.

Referring to the schematic views shown in Figs. 15, 16, and 1'7, there are illustrated on an enlarged scale three different positions of the breaker arms, brought about through the operation of the micrometer screw 48. In Fig. 15, which shows the breaker points 86 and H2 in the highest position C and in contact, it will be seen that the tip of the rubbing block 98 terminates between the circles A and B, which represent the paths of the low and high points, respectively, of the eccentric 92 as it revolves about the drive shaft 86. In this position, the center of the shaft I96 about which the breaker arms are pivoted will be at the point D. With the ignition point H2 at C and the breaker arms shaft I86 at D, the eccentric would be out of contact with the rubbing block 98 during the period beginning when the eccentric radius in alignment with the rubbing block 98 is receding and equals the length R, diminishes to the lowest point, and increases again to the length R, after which the eccentric will be in contact with the rubbing block 98 until the eccentric radius in alignment with the rubbing block has reached its maximum and then receded to the length R. While the eccentric is in contact with the rubbing block 98 the ignition points 96 and H2 will be out of contact with each other. On the other hand, the ignition points 96 and H2 will be in contact with each other while the eccentric is out of contact with the rubbing block 98, and this constitutes the period of dwell.

It is to be understood, however, that at the instant when the breaker points 96 and H2 make contact, the rubbing block 98 will start to separate from the eccentric 92, and that at the instant when these breaker points 96 and H2 break contact, the rubbing block 98 will begin to touch the eccentric 92. At each of these instants of change, there will be a momentary period when the breaker points 96 and H2 will be in contact with each other and the rubbing block 98 will be touching the eccentric 92.

By turning the micrometer screw 48 and causing the movable plate 38 and the ignition point H2 and the breaker arms shaft I86, which is secured to this plate, to travel in a direction parallel to the inner faces of the guide plates 34 and 36 and toward the plane passing through the axis of the shaft 86 and perpendicular to the guiding faces, when the ignition point H2 has moved to the position E, in Fig. 16, the breaker arms shaft I86 will have moved to the position F. In this position, the outer tip of the rubbing block 98 is also between the circles A and B but closer to the circle A than in Fig. 15. In this case, the eccentric will be out of contact with the rubbing block during the period beginning when the eccentric radius in alignment with the rubbing block 98 is receding and equals the length S, diminishes to the lowest point, and increases again to the length S, after which the eccentric will be in contact with the rubbing block 98 until the eccentric radius in alignment with the rubbing block has reached its maximum and then receded to a length S. Since S is less than R, the period during which the eccentric and rubbing block are out of contact with each other will also be less. Consequently, in the position shown in Fig. 16, the period of contact or dwell between the ignition points 96and H2 will be less than in the position illustrated in Fig. 15.

By turning the micrometer screw 48 further and causing the ignition point H2 and the breaker arms shaft I06 to travel in a direction parallel to the inner faces of the guide plates 34 and 36 and further toward the plane passing through the axis of the shaft 86 and perpendicular to the guiding faces, when the. ignition point H2 has moved to the position G in Fig. 17, the breaker arms shaft I06 will have moved to the position H. In this position, the outer tip of the rubbing block 98 will be between the circles A and B and closer to circle A than in Fig. 16. The

length T, corresponding to' the length S in Fig. 16, will also be less than this length S. Consequently, the period of dwell between the ignition points 96 and H2 will be less than in the position shown in Fig. 16.

By turning the micrometer screw 48 still further and continuing the movement of the ignition point I I2 and the breaker arms shaft I86,'a point will be reached where the rubbing block 98 will be at the inner circle A. In this position the period of dwell and the time of contact between the ignition points 86 and I I2 will vanish.

The graduated scale or dial 84 is so adjusted in its connection with the micrometer screw 48 that when the pointer 58 is at zero, the period of dwell is suflicient to permit the flow of 1 ampere of current at 6 volts pressure through the primary circuit of a standard coil of average design, which represents the standard period of dwell at which the ignition points in the energizing circuit of ignition coils employed on automobiles are operated. Reduction in the period of dwell is accompanied by a decrease in the amount of current, expressed in amperes, that is fed to the primary circuit of the ignition coil and, consequently, by a decreased secondary voltage output of the coil.

To test an ignition coil, it is connected as heretofore described and the dial 84 set to the zero reading. The pointer knob I10 is now switched to the Test position and the dial reading is then increased by turning the knob 13 until the spark ceases, as can be viewed through the opening 248 in the top of the housing 2. The dial reading is then reduced, by turning the knob 13 in the reverse direction, until the spark commences. The dial reading at this point indicates the comparative efliciency of the coil under test with respect to other coils which have been subjected to sim ilar test. Efliciency in an electrical devices is the ratio of output to input. By using the fixed gap as above which measures the output in volts and by.measuring reduction of input as above, the unit delivering an equal output on the least input is obviously that with the highest eiilciency.

It will be seen that with my device the motor 28 is not in the storage battery circuit, whereby I am able to avoid the very undesirable feature of reducing the battery voltage available to the ignition coil to a point below normal car-operating conditions, which are at a higher rather than a lower voltage, due to the fact that, in an automobile under car-operating conditions, the generator, which is the battery charging device, is in continuous operation. Also, by my method of varying the period of dwell, the necessity of using a variable speed motor with its objectionable features previously described is eliminated.

Condenser test circlits.With the condenser 250 to be tested having its leads 252 and 254 inthe Charge position, there will be a circuit from the plug I8 by way of the lead 256 to a point 258 of the rectifier tube I60, the lead 260 from the point 262 of the rectifier I to the neon glow tube I46, the lead 264 from the neon tube to the condenser terminal I54, the condenser 250, the lead 266 from the condenser terminal I56 to the common junction 234, the lead 268 from this junction 234 to the terminal point 210 on the gang plate I68, the brush I85, metal ring I18 to terminal point 2I2, and lead 2 from terminal point 2I2 to the plug I8. The heater circuit for this Charge position of the condenser 250 comprises the lead 240 from the outlet I6 to the ground terminal 242, the ground connection 212 from the point 214 of the rectifier I60, the lead 216 from the point 218 of the rectifier I60, the lead 280 to terminal point 282 of the gang plate I66, brush I84, metal ring I 16 to terminal point 238, lead 236 to junction 234 and lead 232 back to outlet I6.

While in this Charge position, the alternating current passes through the rectifier I60 and is converted into a pulsating direct current, which serves to charge the condenser 250, and the current from the 6-volt storage battery heats the cathode in the rectifier I60. By this arrangement, the entire 110 volts of the alternating current is in series with the rectifier tube, yielding a pulsating direct current with a peak of about 108 volts.

By switching the pointer knob I10 to the Hold position and with the condenser 250 still having its leads 252 and 254 inserted in the terminal outlets I54 and I56, respectively, the charging circuit will be broken, but the heater circuit will be closed as in the Charge position, with the exception that the brush I84 will now make electrical contact between the metal ring I16 and terminal point 284 of the gang plate I66 in lieu of terminal point 282, and the lead 286 from the terminal point 284 to lead 216 will now constitute part of the circuit instead of lead 280. In this position, the condenser 250 should retain the charge if in proper condition.

By switching the pointer knob I10 to the Discharge position with the condenser 250 still connected, the heater circuit will be broken, but there will be a circuit across the condenser. This circult comprises lead 264 from terminal outlet I54, neon tube I46, lead 288 to terminal point 290 of the gang plate I66, brush I84, metal ring I16 to terminal point 238, lead 236, and lead 266 to terminal outlet I56. If the condenser has retained a charge of over 80 volts, it will now discharge and show a flash of the neon glow tube I46 which is in series with it. This flash will be visible through the opening 282 in the housing 2.

I have found it desirable to provide a high resistance shunt 294, of about 1,000,000 ohms, across the leads 264 and 288.

In testing a condenser, the condenser leads are connected to terminal outlets I54 and I56 and the pointer knob I10 switched to Hold position for 30 seconds, to permit the heater circuit of rectifier to function, and then to Charge position and the glow of the neon tube I46 is observed. The pointer knob I10 is then switched to Hold position for 30 seconds and then to discharge position. A fiash registered by the neon tube I46 shows that the charge was held by the condenser. If this flash be a single fiash, it denotes an excellent condenser; flashes occurring less serted in the terminal outlets I54 and I56, respectively, and the pointer knob I10 switched to than once per second indicate a usable condenser; while flashes of greater frequency than once per second indicate a condenser that should be rejected.

It will be seen that with my apparatus I am able to carry out the steps of charging, holding and discharging in a convenient manner and without disconnecting the condenser from the tester.

My apparatus can also be employed for testing high and low resistance circuits and has special value in the testing of high resistance circuits for continuity.

In the modification shown in Fig. 18, the cocentric collar 92, eccentric to the motor shaft 86, is mounted upon and rotates with the shaft 86 and acts upon the rubbing block 98 of the movable breaker arm 94. This breaker arm 94 is pivoted upon the shaft I06 and carries the movable breaker point 96. The fixed breaker arm 296 is also pivoted upon the shaft I06 and carries the fixed breaker point H2. The fixed breaker arm 296 has a projecting portion or tongue 298 for contacting the adjusting screw 300, which is in engagement with the threaded bore of a fixed stud 302. The adjusting screw 300 is operated by the knob 13 and shaft 12 through any suitable means such as the bevel gears 304 and 306. The adju ting screw 300 is keyed to the gear 304 in a suitable manner to allow axial movement of the screw 300 in the gear 304. By turning the knob 13, the adjusting screw 300 will also turn and cause the breaker arm 296 and the breaker point II2 to move toward or away from the breaker point 96. As the fixed breaker arm 296 and the breaker point II2 move toward the breaker point 96, the period of dwell oi the breaker points 96 and H2 decreases.

The rubbing block 98 is urged toward the eccentric 92 by the spring I00 and when in contact with the eccentric serves to separate the breaker points 96 and H2. When these breaker points are in contact, the rubbing block is out of contact with the eccentric 92. The movement of the knob 13 is also transmitted through circular plates 80 and disc 60 to the shaft 66, operating the pointer 58 over the graduated scale 84, as in Figs. 1. 2, 3, and 4. The spring 808 urges the tongue 298 and arm 296 toward the adjusting screw 300.

The present invention is not limited to the specific details set forth in the foregoing examples which should be construed as illustrative and not by way of limitation, and in view oi. the numerous modifications which may be e1- fected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, it is desired that only such limitations be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus for testing a condenser, an electric switch, a rectifier adapted to convert an alternating current into a pulsating direct current, a glow tube, a circuit wherein said rectifier, said glow tube, the condenser and said switch are in series with a source of alternating current, a second circuit establishing series electrical connection from a storage battery, through the switch, through the heater element of the rectiher, through the ground and back to the storage battery, and a third circuit wherein the glow tube is connected in series with the condenser and said switch, said switch being provided with selective means whereby the first described circuit and the second circuit may be closed simultaneously, whereby the second circuit may be closed individually and whereby the third circuit may be closed individually, without disconnecting the condenser.

2. In an apparatus for testing a condenser and an ignition coil having primary and secondary windings, means to energize the primary of said coil including a primary circuit electrically connected to receive energy from a storage battery, a motor circuit, and motor operated means having a fixed breaker point and a movable breaker point to make and break the primary circuit, a shaft for the motor, an eccentric carried by said shaft and adapted to rotate therewith, an arm carrying said movable breaker point, means for pivotally supporting said arm, means for moving the fixed breaker point and the pivotal support for the movable breaker point in parallel paths and a follower on said arm adapted to engage said eccentric and to undergo a variation in the contact with the eccentric for each perigonal cycle of the eccentric when the fixed breaker point and the pivotal support for the arm carrying the movable breaker point are moved in paths parallel to each other, an electric switch, a rectifier adapted to convert an alternating current into a pulsating direct current, a glow tube, a third circuit wherein said rectifier, said glow tube, the condenser and said switch are in series with a source of alternating current, a fourth circuit establishing series electrical connection from a storage battery, through the switch, through the heater element of the rectifier, through the ground and back to the storage battery, and a fifth circuit wherein the glow tube is connected in series with the condenser and said switch, said switch being provided with selective means for simultaneously opening and simultaneously closing said motor and primary circuits whereby the third circuit and the fourth circuit may be closed simultaneously, whereby the fourth circuit may be closed individually, and whereby the fifth circuit may be closed individually, without disconnecting the condenser.

IRVING L. BRICK. 

